I got a degree in sociology, didn't read much fiction in college

In the words of Andre Dubus III, "I got a degree in sociology, didn't read much fiction in college, and I was a pretty political, left-wing type of guy. I wanted to do some kind of work in social change and make things better for the poor man, and I was very romantic and passionate about it," we encounter the deep yearning of a young soul determined to make a difference in the world. Dubus’s reflection is a testament to the idealistic pursuit of social justice—a pursuit that often begins in the heart of youth, driven by a romantic desire to change the world, to right wrongs, and to stand in solidarity with the marginalized. This powerful declaration speaks not just to the individual's personal path, but to a larger truth: that the desire for social change is often fueled by a deep, romantic belief in the possibility of a better, fairer world, one where the poor are uplifted and the downtrodden are given a voice.

The ancients knew well the passion that comes with the pursuit of a noble cause, though it was often tempered by the harsh realities of life. In Greek philosophy, figures like Plato and Aristotle often grappled with the nature of justice and the role of the individual in shaping society. Plato, in his Republic, envisioned a just society in which all individuals played a part according to their natural abilities, where rulers were wise and guided by the truth, and where the good of the whole society was prioritized over personal gain. Aristotle, too, sought to define the virtues necessary for a well-ordered life, stressing that true happiness could only be achieved when the individual lived in harmony with both nature and society. These ancient philosophers laid the groundwork for thinking about social change—though their approaches were often more idealistic, their work acknowledged the need for transformation and equity in society, much like the romantic drive for social justice that Dubus describes.

In the Roman world, social change was also a recurring theme, but it was often achieved through conquest, political struggle, and reform. Figures like Cicero and Julius Caesar embodied the desire to shape the future, albeit in very different ways. Cicero, a staunch defender of the Roman Republic, sought to preserve a vision of justice rooted in the rights of the people. His work in oratory and political theory spoke to the passion for justice that Dubus mentions—though Cicero’s methods were deeply embedded in the political sphere, he too sought to improve society and fight for the rights of the vulnerable. Caesar, on the other hand, represented a more revolutionary approach, using military and political power to reshape the very fabric of Roman society. His passion for social reform and his own vision of the future led him to clash with the traditional Roman elite, ultimately resulting in his assassination. In both Cicero and Caesar’s stories, we see the ancient struggle between idealism and realpolitik, between a romantic desire to improve the world and the complex, often harsh, realities of making change.

The romanticism in Dubus’s quote is also echoed in the revolutionary fervor of the Enlightenment period, where thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Paine argued passionately for social and political change. Rousseau, in his work The Social Contract, believed that individuals must give up certain freedoms to live under a government that protects the common good. He was driven by a deep romantic belief in the goodness of humanity, and the idea that society could be reorganized to create a more just and equitable world. Similarly, Paine’s Common Sense inspired the American Revolution, calling for a break from tyranny and the creation of a government based on equality and liberty. These thinkers, like Dubus, were driven by a romantic belief in the power of human reason and passion to change the world. Yet, as history showed, the idealism of their time was often met with the stark realities of power struggles, betrayal, and the inevitable flaws in human nature.

Dubus’s yearning for social change also reflects the human drive to correct injustices, a drive that has existed throughout history. One needs only look to the civil rights movements of the 20th century to see this passion in action. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were both deeply romantic figures in their own right—each driven by the belief that society could be transformed through love or revolution, respectively. King, with his vision of a beloved community, passionately fought for racial justice, while Malcolm X sought self-determination and empowerment for marginalized communities. Both leaders, though differing in their approaches, were fueled by the same romantic desire to change society for the better, and both were willing to sacrifice everything for their vision of a just world.

The lesson that Dubus imparts is one of passion and commitment to social change—a reminder that the desire to improve the world often comes from a romantic belief in the goodness of people and the possibility of a more equitable society. Yet, as history teaches us, the road to change is difficult and fraught with obstacles. To achieve the vision of a better world, one must be willing to face the complexities of human nature, the injustice that seems entrenched in society, and the inevitable setbacks that come with fighting for what is right. The romantic idealism that drives us to seek justice must be balanced with the realities of working within a world that often resists change. In the pursuit of a better world, we must remember that passion alone is not enough; it must be paired with determination, practical action, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.

In your own life, take Dubus’s words as a call to action. If you, too, are drawn to the romantic vision of a just world, channel that passion into meaningful work—whether through advocacy, education, or personal acts of kindness. Recognize that change often comes slowly, but that romantic ideals of equality and justice are worth striving for. Be pragmatic in your approach, but never lose sight of the vision that drives you. Like the ancient heroes and the great leaders of history, let your passion guide you toward the creation of a better world, knowing that the effort itself is both noble and necessary.